For my scouts, I use a 1776 pattern New Invented knapsack (based on Sketchbook '76) since I portray a soldier of the 1st U.S. Infantry. This pack was used by troops in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland (and by the U.S. Army up to the War of 1812).
My pack is made of heavy canvas, hand sewn, and painted. Although modern prejudice would have me make modifications, I've grown quite accustomed to using it as is. With blanket, clothing, and goods, it will hold about 20 pounds comfortably.
I have several patterns and photographs of early U.S. knapsacks (militia), so please e-mail me if you need information.

I like a harvest sack over a knapsack all my gear is in one pouch my harves sack wieght is about 5 pounds with out my hawk my bed roll and diamond fly are over my other shoulder.I keep all my gear in small bag to keep it separted.

_________________If I don't get some whiskey soon i'm going to die!!!!!

I've been using a snapsack for the past several years. I found the pattern on-line and made one using medium-weight cotton canvas. I left both ends unsewn and tied one end shut using a piece of leather strap. My shoulder strap is a piece of soft leather. The only complaint I have with my snapsack is that it is a pain to get into while traveling. I've learned to keep my compass and jerky in a bandana tied to the outside of the snapsack, and I keep out of the snapsack until the end of the day. The nice part about the snapsack is that I made it myself, and I like the ideal of having done that.

I've been using a snapsack for the past several years. I . The nice part about the snapsack is that I made it myself, and I like the ideal of having done that.

Making it yourself is always good. The more you can make yourself the more independent you become. The longhunters wouldn't have lasted very long if they had to run back to the station every time they needed something.